Agenda and minutes

Venue: Kingswood Civic Centre, South Gloucestershire Council

Contact: Ian Hird 

Link: Webcast video is available

Items
No. Item

1.

Evacuation procedure

In the event of a fire, please await direction from staff who will help assist with the evacuation.   Please do not return to the building until instructed to do so by the fire warden(s).

Minutes:

The Chair thanked South Gloucestershire Council for hosting the meeting, welcomed attendees to the meeting and introduced his colleagues around the table:

  • Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor for Finance, Governance and Performance, Bristol City Council, attending on behalf of Mayor Marvin Rees.
  • Councillor Tim Warren, Leader, Bath and North East Somerset Council.
  • Councillor Toby Savage, Leader, South Gloucestershire Council.
  • Councillor Nigel Ashton, Leader, North Somerset Council

 

The evacuation procedure for the venue was then announced by the Chair.

 

The Chair then informed everybody present that the meeting was being recorded and that the recording would be available to view after the meeting on the Combined Authority website. Any individuals present who did not wish to be filmed were asked to indicate this.

 

2.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

It was noted that apologies had been received from Mayor Marvin Rees, Professor Steve West, the Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board and Cllr Stephen Clarke, Chair of the Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

3.

Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011

Members who consider that they have an interest to declare are asked to: a) State the item number in which they have an interest, b) The nature of the interest, c) Whether the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest, non-disclosable pecuniary interest or non-pecuniary interest. Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself.

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were declared.

 

4.

Minutes of previous meeting pdf icon PDF 242 KB

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee held on 28 September 2018 as a correct record.

 

 

Minutes:

The Joint Committee RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee held on 28 September 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following amendment:

 

Minute no. 9 – West of England Combined Authority Business Plan:

 

Amend the second paragraph to read as follows:

“Cllr Ashton focused on upcoming activity and stated that work on the new Foodworks Innovation Centre was due to start in October 2018.”

 

5.

Chair's announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Joint Committee.

Minutes:

The Chair shared the following news about the Combined Authority’s recent activities:

·         Within the last week, work supported through the Local Growth Fund had been completed on an extra southbound lane at the Bences Garage junction in Marksbury where the A39 connects with the A368.  This would ease congestion and improve journey times at a major traffic “pinch point” in North East Somerset.

·         The Local Growth Fund had also funded the newly-opened £1.8m coach park at the Odd Down Park & Ride site in Bath.  This formed part of the plans to develop Bath quays on the former coach park at Avon Street in central Bath.

·         He had recently met with Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport to discuss the region’s ambitious plans for rail, which include improving the Severn Beach line to provide direct services to Bath and Westbury, re-opening Henbury station and more frequent services to Yate.

 

6.

Comments from the Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board

To receive any comments from the Chair of the Local Enterprise Board (on behalf of the Board, arising from their meeting held on 16 November 2018).

Minutes:

It was noted that the Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board, Professor Steve West had given his apologies for the meeting.

 

7.

Comments from the Chair of the Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee pdf icon PDF 149 KB

To receive any comments from the Chair of the WECA Overview & Scrutiny Committee (on behalf of the committee, arising from their meeting held on 28 November 2018).

Minutes:

It was noted that at its meeting held on 28 November 2018, the Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee had reviewed and discussed the agenda and reports for today’s meeting of the Joint Committee.

 

The comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been circulated in advance of this meeting and were also available to view on the Combined Authority’s website

 

It was noted that Cllr Stephen Clarke was unable to attend to present these comments at this meeting although he had referred to them at the meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee held earlier that day. 

 

The Joint Committee noted the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, also noting that a response/clarification as necessary would be sent in relation to the points raised.

 

8.

Items from the public (petitions; statements; questions) pdf icon PDF 3 MB

If you wish to present a petition or make a statement at this meeting, you are required to submit this by 12 noon on the working day before the meeting by e-mail to democratic.services@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

 

For this meeting, this means that your petition/statement must be received in this office by 12 noon on Thursday 29 November 2018.

 

If you wish to ask a question at the meeting, you are required to submit the question in writing to democratic.services@westofengland-ca.gov.uk by no later than 3 working daysbefore the meeting. For this meeting, this means that your question(s) must bereceived in this office by the end of Monday 26 November 2018.

 

In presenting any statements at the meeting, members of the public are generally permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes each. The total time available for this session is 30 minutes so at the discretion of the Chair, speaking time may sometimes be reduced depending on how many public items are received. Please note that all public items will be circulated in advance of the meeting to the committee members.

 

Minutes:

The Chair advised that 3 statements had been received and circulated to Joint Committee members in advance of the meeting, as follows:

 

  1. David Redgewell / John Hassall / Nigel Bray - subject: Transport/Temple Meads/George & Railway/Grosvenor Hotel regeneration projects
  2. Christina Biggs - subject: Local rail services
  3. Julie Boston - subject: Bus services

 

Those in attendance were given the opportunity to present their statements.  It was noted that the full text of the statements would be available to view on the Combined Authority’s website following the meeting.

 

9.

Petitions from any member of the Joint Committee

Any member of the Joint Committee may present a petition at a Joint Committee meeting.

Minutes:

No petitions had been notified for this meeting.

 

10.

Local Enterprise Partnership One Front Door funding programme pdf icon PDF 900 KB

The report considers business cases for the following schemes seeking approval for funding through the Local Growth and Economic Development Funds:

 

·           South Gloucestershire Sustainable Transport Package 2018/19 – 20/21

·           Advanced Construction Skills Training Centre

·           Engine Shed 2

 

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report setting out details of business cases for schemes seeking approval through the Local Growth and Economic Development funds.

 

In introducing the report, the Chair welcomed the proposals, noting that the proposals set out the full business cases for South Gloucestershire Sustainable Transport Package 2018-19 – 2020-21, the Advanced Construction Skills Training Centre and Engine Shed 2.

 

The report recommendations were then moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Savage.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendations (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations:

 

That approval be given to:

 

1. The Full Business Case for the South Gloucestershire Sustainable Transport Package subject to the supply of detailed scheme designs for the Active Travel (Schools Package), confirmation that all funding is in place and the supply of detailed programmes confirming deliverability by March 2021.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor – note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

2. The Full Business Case for the Advanced Construction Skills Training Centre subject to securing planning consent, completion of the land acquisition and design to RIBA stage 3 with the supply of an updated cost plan; an updated programme to be provided when the above conditions are met confirming deliverability by March 2021.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

3. The Full Business Case for Engine Shed 2 subject to finalising the legal agreement with Skanska and the supply of an updated risk register; confirmation to be provided of the substitution of funding from another EDF scheme; fit within the EDF programme to be confirmed by the Business Rates Pooling Board.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils excluding the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously by the constituent councils)

 

4. The change requests for the LGF schemes set out in Appendix 2.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

5. The change requests for the EDF and RIF schemes set out in Appendix 3.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils excluding the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously by the constituent councils)

 

11.

Local Enterprise Partnership and Invest in Bristol and Bath budget outturn - April - September 2018 pdf icon PDF 562 KB

This report presents the forecast revenue outturn budget monitoring information for the West of England Joint Committee for the financial year 2018/19 based on actual data for the period April 2018 to September 2018. This report covers the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Invest in Bristol and Bath (IBB) revenue budgets.

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report setting out the forecast revenue outturn budget monitoring information based on data for the period from April-September 2018 covering the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Invest in Bristol and Bath (IBB) budgets.

 

The report recommendations were moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Ashton.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendations (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations:

 

That:

 

1. The LEP Budget as set out in Appendix 1 be noted.

 

2. The forecast out-turn surplus for the LEP be added to the overall revenue balances held on behalf of the Unitary Authorities as detailed.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils excluding the Combined Authority Mayor – note: this vote was carried unanimously by the constituent councils)

 

3. That the IBB Budget as set out in Appendix 2 be noted recognising the use of prior year underspends in EDF grant drawdown to balance the outturn position.

 

12.

MetroWest Phase 1 (1A & 1B) gateway decision pdf icon PDF 248 KB

The purpose of this report is to:

*           provide an update on funding and seek approval for a further draw down of the LGF to enable Phase 1A work to continue;

*           provide a proposed governance structure for approval;

*           update on technical progress and its implications for scheme partners;

*           provide a timetable for the submission of the Development Consent Order (DCO) and Phase 1A and Phase1B works;

*           address the issues raised within the letter from Chris Grayling on 2nd October 2018.

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report on the key next steps for Phase 1 of MetroWest.

 

In introducing the report, the Chair drew attention to the fact that the report:

·         Provided an update on the funding position and sought approval for a further drawdown of Local Growth Funding to enable Phase 1A to continue.

·         Set out a governance structure for the Joint Committee’s approval.

·         Provided an update on technical progress and its implications for scheme partners.

·         Provided a timetable for the submission of the Development Consent Order and for Phase 1A and 1B works.

·         Addressed issues raised in the letter from Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport in early October.

 

The report recommendations were then moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Ashton.

 

Cllr Warren commented that as part of taking MetroWest forward, the option of re-opening Saltford railway station should be considered.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendations (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations:

 

That approval be given to:

 

1. The proposed governance structure that encompasses both Phase 1A and 1B.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

2. The Section 151 Officers undertaking further exploratory work to determine how the funding gap may be addressed.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

3. The approval of a further allocation of £500k from the Local Growth Fund for 2018/19 to enable continued development of Phase 1A.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

13.

Joint Local Transport Plan - consultation pdf icon PDF 381 KB

This report asks the Joint Committee to endorse the draft Joint Local Transport Plan 4 (JLTP4) for public consultation in January 2019.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report seeking endorsement of the draft Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP) 4 for consultation, starting in January 2019.

 

The report recommendations were moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Cheney.

 

Cllr Warren asked that the JLTP documentation be reviewed to ensure that all relevant maps included the option of a railway station at Saltford.

 

Cllr Ashton stressed the ongoing importance of the issue of ensuring that appropriate transport infrastructure was in place to serve significant housing developments; there were ongoing public concerns about transport infrastructure lagging behind housing development.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendations (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

Noting the above comments, the Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the

followingrecommendation:

 

That the draft Joint Local Transport Plan 4 be endorsed for consultation in January

2019.

(Unanimous vote of the constituent councils excluding the Combined Authority Mayor)

 

14.

Joint Spatial Plan update pdf icon PDF 358 KB

This report provides an update to Joint Committee on the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) Examination in Public (EIP).

 

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report setting out an update, for information, on the Joint Spatial Plan Examination in Public

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED:

 

That the update report be noted.

 

15.

Update on the preparation of an Infrastructure and Investment Delivery Plan pdf icon PDF 130 KB

This report provides an update on the approach, scope and timetable for the preparation of an  Infrastructure, Investment and Delivery Plan, for the Joint Committee to endorse.

 

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report seeking endorsement of the approach, scope and timetable for the delivery of an Infrastructure and Investment Delivery Plan.

 

The report recommendation was moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Warren.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendation (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendation:

 

That the scope, approach and timetable for the Infrastructure and Investment Delivery Plan as set out at paragraph 2.6 of the report be endorsed.

(Unanimous vote of the constituent councils excluding the Combined Authority Mayor)

 

16.

Joint Assets Board update - terms of reference pdf icon PDF 261 KB

This report provides an update on the establishment of a West of England Joint Assets Board and seeks endorsement of the Joint Committee for the Terms of Reference for the Board.

 

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report seeking endorsement of the terms of reference of the Joint Assets Board.

 

The report recommendation was moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Cheney.

 

Cllr Cheney welcomed the report, also referring to the fact that the West of England would be the first region to establish terms of reference for a Joint Assets Board.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendation (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendation:

 

That the Terms of Reference of the Joint Assets Board be endorsed, so that they may be agreed at the Joint Assets Board meeting on 30 November 2018.

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority

Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

17.

Invest in Bristol and Bath review pdf icon PDF 218 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report setting out the outcomes and

recommendations from the Invest in Bristol and Bath review.

 

The report recommendation was moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Ashton.

 

Cllr Ashton welcomed the report and felt that the implementation of the review would result in an improved system and outcomes.  Cllr Warren and Cllr Savage also welcomed the outcomes of the review.

 

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendation (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

 

The Joint Committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendation:

 

To adopt the Group’s strategic guidance and advice and delegate to the WECA Chief Executive, in consultation with the other CEOs to prepare a business plan for new service arrangements with updated operating protocols and budget for 2019/20- 2024/25. 

(Majority vote required of the constituent councils including the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

 

18.

Information item - decisions taken at this meeting pdf icon PDF 210 KB

Details of the decisions taken at this meeting and the draft minutes of this meeting will be published on the West of England Combined Authority website as soon as possible after the meeting.

 

Minutes:

In closing the meeting, the Chair advised that details of the decisions taken at this meeting and the draft minutes of the meeting would be published as soon as possible on the Combined Authority website.